Anchorage Stitch N Bitch

Anchorage, Alaska, US

Join in with the Anchorage Stitch N Bitch, aka The Late Bloomer's Society and stitch your own Fan And Feather Baby Blanket.

Meeting Details

Date & time: 2nd & 3rd Thursday of each month, 5-8ish pm
Address: Bella Boutique, 2601 Spenard Rd, Anchorage AK 99503
Phone: 9076444989

Where was the workshop held and what was the venue like?

We meet at Bella Boutique in Anchorage Alaska. It is a retail store that sells almost exclusively handmade items - a great environment to "get your craft on." There is a bakery and coffee shop next door, so caffeine and treats are close by. And of course, if you need a little retail therapy (after a little vino) you can't get any closer! You can find Bella's website here: www.shop-bella.com Every once in awhile we switch up the venue and go somewhere fabulous like a local brewery or park.

Who’s in your group?

The group varies from week to week and season to season. Summer in Alaska is a flurry of activity - usually outside - so we see fewer folks at meetings during the long summer days. An average meeting will find 3-8 people, but an event like the World Wide Knit in Public Day brings as many as 35 to 40 people together to knit under the fabulous Alaskan sun! (I got a sunburn last year!). Ages range from late 20's into the 60's, but the core group of folks tends to be in their mid to late 30's. Alaska has a very transient population, so we have seen a lot of members come and go over the years - leaving Alaska to go to places like Colorado, Washington and even Japan!

What are the main crafts your group do?

We consider ourselves to be fiber fanatics, so lots of knitting and crocheting happening. However, cross stitch has become a popular craft at meetings, and honestly anything is welcome. We have even had people mend clothing!

Can anyone join and how should we sign up?

The Anchorage Stitch N Bitch is open to the public (though we ask 21+ as there is often wine). No need to sign up - just come on down! We meet the 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month at Bella Boutique unless otherwise specified.

What’s projects is everyone working on at the moment?

There are lots of cowls in the group at the moment and a few sweaters. We seem to also have hit another spike in baby blanket production (it always comes in waves, doesn't it?!). It is pretty universal however that projects requiring loads of concentration and counting aren't the best for Knit Night....there's to much fun to be had chatting (bitching), snacking and sipping!

Where else should we check out when we’re in town?

There is a fabulous local yarn shop dangerously close to Bella - Far North Yarn Company - which has more than once saved a knitter from being project-less, or helped with a pattern. Anchorage is full of fabulous things to see - from mountains (just look up!) and moose (one might be hanging out on the sidewalk when you leave Knit Night!). We have great local breweries and the coolest used book stores around. It's a great town to be fun and funky, and get your craft on.

Where are the best places to buy craft supplies to bring to your group?

People buy supplies all over. Far North Yarn Co right around the corner is a great resource of superior yarn and materials. Michaels and JoAnns are also a resource for those looking for more mass production yarn. The town also has many weavers and spinners who sell their own handmade and hand dyed yarns at local farmer's markets and craft shows.

Is there anything else we should know?

Handiwork is pretty awesome. Supporting handmade is the way to go.